Dear Mission Members,

Happy International Women’s Day!

International Women's Day, marked annually on March 8, is a day for all of us to come together to celebrate and support women's advancement. This day has been observed since 1911. It is a day to commemorate women's achievements, resilience, and global contribution. It is about recognising progress and advocating for equality and empowering women in every aspect of life. Each of us has a role in creating and sustaining an inclusive society where women can reach their full potential.

The role of women in civilian CSDP is essential. In order to achieve sustainable peace and security, it is vital that everyone is included. This is why the Women, Peace and Security agenda is a silver thread that guides our Missions’ approach to their respective mandates. The implementation of the WPS agenda is a tool to ensure that the rights, agency and protection of women and girls are observed and upheld at all times. The WPS agenda ensures that meaningful and equal participation of women is secured in all institutions and processes of conflict prevention, peace-making, peacebuilding and post-conflict rehabilitation, including in civilian security sector reform, rule of law and civil administration.

All this could not be done without you. You all are essential part in making these commitments reality. All Mission Members, both women and men, play an important part in the implementation of the European Union commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. In addition, managers play a special role through gender-responsive leadership.

I also want extend a special thank you to all the women serving in the Missions. Your presence is an affirmation of our values as well as a practical necessity.  To implement our mandates in an inclusive and impactful way, we need more women in our missions in the future. I congratulate every woman who has chosen to deploy with a CSDP civilian mission. Your contribution is essential!

Inspiring inclusion is not the task of single day, but a continuous process that requires our attention every day. I count on you to make this a reality.